White River Township Fire Protection District
Board Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2000  ~  7:00 p.m.

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District Board Members Present: Paul Kite, Bill Patterson, Butch Sutton and Chuck Shufflebarger.

District Board Members Absent: Jon Raker.

District Employees Present: Mike Dutton, Eric Brown, Mike Tibbetts, Bruce Alexander, Joel Thacker, Scott Cassin, and Kim Clawson.

Corporation Board Members Present:  Gary Borden.

Others Present: Eric Reedy, Mark Collucci, John Gehbauer, and Sara Mealy.

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1.        Minutes from August 8th board meeting were reviewed.  Motion by Bill and 2nd by Chuck to accept minutes as written.  All in favor and motion passes.

 

2.        Eric Reedy gave financial update:

2000 Capital Outlay                              1,277,057

1998 Fire Loan                                           21,652

1997 Capital Fund                                     21,163

Cumulative Fund                                     227,984

Debt Fund                                                129,873

General Fund                                           122,961

TOTAL                                                  1,800,690

 

3.        The 2001 budget has been finalized and Eric Reedy will let us know what the exact dates are for the upcoming hearings. 

4.        Station 53 Update.

-                           John Gehbauer and Sara Mealy from Prince Alexander gave an update on the progress of station 53.  Attachment A. 

-                           At this time, we are 4-5 weeks behind but they are confident that can be made up during the framing phase. 

-                           There was a question raised as to the type of drains that have been installed in the bay area of the building.  (Trench drains vs. regular drains?)  Eric will check on this. 

-                           Paul requested that a written report be presented to the District board members on a monthly basis, via Kim, regarding the project.

-                           Discussion regarding the easement requested by the Bargersville Utility Company.  After discussion, motion made by Butch and 2nd by Bill to approve the easement after final approval by legal counsel, with Paul having authority to sign all related documents.  All in favor and motion carries. 

5.        Mark Collucci stated that we will not be able to obtain an inter-local agreement with the City of Indianapolis until their Board of Public Works meets sometime in October.  While everyone agreed that this is something that should still be pursued, they also agreed that we can’t wait much longer to order the engine.  Mr. Collucci affirmed that we meet the provisions of “unique opportunity for substantial savings” as cited in Indiana Code 5-22-10-5.  Mr. Collucci warned that we should have something, in writing, from Stoops/American LaFrance stating that they will support our purchase of an engine at the same price as Indianapolis Fire Department. Therefore, motion made by Butch and 2ndby Chuck to reject all current bids, pursuant to IC 5-22-10-5 and, after the letter of support is received, move to purchase the engine from Stoops/American LaFrance.  All in favor and motion carries. 

6.        After discussion, it was decided that we would not pursue the leasing of space on the antenna at either station. 

7.        Scott Cassin stated that since the computer proposal in June, prices have changed significantly.  He would like to obtain a current price quote from several vendors and present it to the Board for a vote at the next meeting.  Review and discussion on the June 21 computer proposal.  Attachment B.  Everyone agreed that they would like to see final prices for purchase, lease w/purchase option, and lease w/equipment return option.  Everyone also agreed that they anticipate proceeding with this project once the new numbers have been submitted.  Paul asked that all Board members receive a copy of the new proposal PRIOR to the next meeting so everyone has time to review it and can come to the meeting prepared to vote.  He also asked that a copy of the lease be forwarded to his review prior to the meeting as well. 

8.        We are currently waiting for the City of Greenwood to give the final approval for the Station 51 sewer connection with the Baxters. 

9.        Discussion on Cafeteria Plan.  Paul stated that the Board is not trying to remove any benefits that the employees currently have, but they are trying to conform to Indiana and IRS regulations.  Mark Collucci stated that Brian Bosma is waiting to speak with Doug Helser of Charles Lindig Benefits, which is the agency who established the cafeteria plan for us.  Further discussion tabled until next meeting. 

10.     Health insurance premiums for District employees will be increased 62% starting October 1.  Marge Buford is drawing up a new proposal for us.  Kim is also working independently on obtaining premium quotes.  A meeting will be held at station 51 this Thursday, September 14th at 9:00 a.m. to determine which company will be our best choice.  Paul asked that a District Board member be the contact person on this project and Bill volunteered.  Once a plan and company have been chosen, the final proposal will be brought before the District Board at their next meeting for approval. 

11.     Chief Dutton recently spoke with Representative David Frizzell regarding the maximum levy increase.  Once the White River Township Task Force has given their recommendations in writing (anticipated in October), Mr. Frizzell and Chief Dutton will approach Representative Borst together with the information contained in that proposal.  

12.     Next meeting date has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. 

13.     No further new business and meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.